Dr. Dongming Cai's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding the role of ApoE4, a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), particularly how it affects microglial function and neuroinflammation. The research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind ApoE4-induced changes and their impact on AD pathology. Through various innovative approaches, including mouse models and human cell cultures, the lab seeks to identify new pathways that could lead to targeted therapies for Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. A David Redish's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how mammals make decisions by studying the brain's action-selection systems. The research explores how different cognitive processes interact to influence behavior, specifically in the context of mental health disorders like OCD and addiction. By employing advanced neural recording techniques and computational analysis, the lab seeks to dissect the mechanisms that drive decision-making, particularly when internal goals conflict with external influences.

Dr. Scott E. Cooper's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on improving treatment strategies for Parkinson's disease, particularly symptoms related to postural instability and gait disorders. By employing advanced brain imaging and computational modeling, the lab seeks to tailor deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapies to individual patients. This personalized approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of DBS by identifying and targeting specific neural pathways involved in these debilitating symptoms.

Dr. Esther Krook-Magnuson's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding the brain's mechanisms involved in epilepsy, particularly how the cerebellum influences seizure activity. The lab is investigating the connections between the hippocampus and the supramammillary area, aiming to reveal how these brain regions interact and affect neurological functions. Their research has the potential to lead to new treatment strategies for temporal lobe epilepsy and other neurological disorders.

Dr. Michael J. Howell's research lab focuses on understanding a sleep disorder that can predict the onset of serious neurodegenerative diseases like dementia. The lab studies how certain antidepressants can uncover early signs of brain deterioration in patients with a condition called REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. Through advanced imaging techniques and skin biopsies, the team aims to identify early markers of neurodegeneration, which can help in developing therapies to slow down disease progression.

Dr. Sommer Huffmaster's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson's disease. The research explores how transitions in movement—like starting to walk or turning—become impaired in some individuals, leading to freezing episodes. By investigating the brain systems involved, the lab aims to uncover treatments that can improve mobility and quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease.

Dr. Michael K Lee's research lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding the relationship between alpha-synuclein and tau proteins in various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The lab uses genetic techniques to manipulate these proteins in mouse models to explore their roles in cognitive function and disease progression. This research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets to mitigate cognitive deficits associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Joshua E. Aman’s lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding the brain mechanisms involved in movement disorders, particularly bradykinesia in Parkinson's disease. By studying neural activity in specific brain pathways, they aim to develop personalized deep brain stimulation therapies that enhance motor function and reduce symptoms. Their research utilizes advanced imaging techniques and real-time data collection during surgical procedures to unravel complex brain interactions that contribute to motor control.

Dr. William G Mantyh's lab focuses on understanding dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease, in Native American communities. The lab is conducting important research to determine how genetic factors, like the APOE gene, affect dementia risk among Native Americans, an area that has been largely overlooked. By identifying the unique types of dementia that exist in these populations and how genetic ancestry influences risk, the lab aims to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for underserved communities.

Dr. Patrick Rothwell's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how certain brain cells interact with opioid signaling, particularly in a region called the nucleus accumbens. They aim to develop new therapies for opioid use disorders by targeting the degradation of specific peptides involved in opioid signals. The research not only seeks to inform potential treatments but also uncovers how opioid exposure alters the brain's wiring, potentially leading to addiction and relapse.

Dr. Dezhi Liao's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how tau proteins misbehave in diseases like Alzheimer's. They explore how modifications to tau proteins impact brain function and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. By using a novel mouse model and studying mild traumatic brain injury, they aim to identify the mechanisms that lead to tau-related dysfunction, ultimately seeking to develop new therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Rocio Gomez-Pastor's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how cognitive decline occurs in Huntington's disease, a neurodegenerative condition that affects movement as well as cognition. The lab studies the molecular mechanisms behind synaptic dysfunction in the brain's striatum region, particularly how disruptions in certain proteins impact cognitive performance in early stages of the disease. Insights gained may help identify therapeutic targets that can improve the quality of life for those affected.

Dr. Matthew Douglas Johnson's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on improving deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy for Parkinson's disease. The research aims to optimize stimulation settings in order to enhance motor control and address specific symptoms such as bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor, and postural instability. By using advanced technologies like microelectrode arrays and adaptive control algorithms, the lab seeks to develop personalized and responsive therapies for patients.

Dr. Jerrold L Vitek's research focuses on understanding Parkinson's disease (PD) and improving treatments like deep brain stimulation (DBS). His lab studies how brain circuits related to movement change in PD, especially in response to therapies such as medication and DBS. By using advanced techniques to record neural activity in animal models, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind motor symptoms and therapeutic effects, leading to better treatments for individuals with Parkinson's disease.

David Walk's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) by collecting and analyzing comprehensive medical data from ALS patients. By partnering with multiple clinics and engaging with the ALS community, the lab aims to improve the understanding of ALS progression and inform better treatment strategies. Their research includes a broad representation of patients to ensure findings are relevant across different backgrounds and experiences.

Jan Zimmermann's lab at the University of Minnesota studies how the brain coordinates behavior over different time scales, from quick movements to long-term planning. By observing rhesus macaques in naturalistic settings and using advanced technologies like deep learning for motion tracking, the lab aims to uncover how cognitive factors and neural processes work together to help animals make decisions. This research has implications for understanding flexible behavior in both healthy individuals and those with psychiatric disorders.